[Tealeaf]

You lot seem very confused over this story. I assume it is because you are currently drunk or you have been reading the 'Independent', either of which results in a distortion of reality. Most probably a combination of both.

There are 3 types of cops:

Regular Cops (Paid)

PCSO's (Paid, with limited powers)

Volunteer Cops (Unpaid)

The idea being mooted is that rather than put trainee regular cops through 25 weeks of training at cop school - learning basic law, first aid, self defence and ethnic and gay awareness - formal training is scrapped and anyone seeking a career in the police service does their basic training for 18 months on the job, as a part time volunteer for probably about 10 hours a week. This a a dam good idea - you will get more motivated cops, better trained and at less expense.